By Omoruyi Patricia Osayomore
Reaffirming its dedication to empowering its workforce with vital skills and knowledge in its reformed Civil and Public Service, the Edo State Government has launched a five-day onboarding programme for the newly hired first-class graduates in its service.
The programme which commenced on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin, covered a wide array of topics including an overview of Edo Civil and Public Service, Effective Communication techniques, and familiarity with Public Service Rules, among others.
Addressing the participants, Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, emphasized their pivotal role as future leaders within the service. He urged them to integrate the training insights into their daily professional lives, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement while referencing 2 Timothy 2:15 as encouragement to excel through study and research. He further reminded them to honor the trust the State Government placed in them for their appointment to service.
Dr. Okungbowa also underscored the significance of adhering to Civil and Public Service Rules, stressing impartiality and accountability in their duties, the importance of fiscal responsibility with public funds, and maintaining high standards of conduct as representatives of the government.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Human Resource Management, Mr. Igberase George, introduced the participants to the objectives of the onboarding program. He discussed the Civil Service Codes of Conduct, outlined standards, and addressed acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in service. Mr. Igberase emphasized that the new employees’ primary focus should always be on public interests, with personal interest taking a secondary role.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Akhigbe, guided the participants through an overview of the programme, emphasizing the importance of grasping the mission and vision of the Edo State Civil Service. Dr. Akhigbe underscored the need for participants to fully understand the service’s objectives and operations.
In her explanation of the mission and vision statement, Dr. Akhigbe noted that people are reluctant to leave comfortable environments. She highlighted the participants’ role in realizing the State Government’s vision of transforming Edo State into a modern and progressive entity, where every citizen enjoys empowered opportunities for a fulfilled life. She elaborated on the service’s core values of stewardship, trust, engagement, and professionalism, urging accountability, efficiency, and ethical conduct in public service delivery.
Dr. Akhigbe reassured the participants that they serve as agents of government policy enforcement and would be held accountable according to established service guidelines. She stressed on the necessity for the participants as well as all employees in the Civil and Public Service of Edo State to thoroughly understand these rules and apply them consistently.
